Rally and lobby on 13 March

During the lobby of Parliament, on 13 March, local library users, campaigners and staff came together to help us highlight the importance of libraries in providing access to learning and as a vital lifeline for many communities

Library services have borne the considerable brunt of public spending cuts since the Coalition government took office in 2010. Of the 4,612 libraries in the UK, an estimated 10% are currently either closed or under threat of closure.

The number of paid staff in libraries has fallen by 4% over the past year, whilst the number of volunteers has increased by 22%.

Local campaigns are happening all over the UK to counter threats to library services, but at the lobby we came together to send a clear message to MPs.

Public libraries and staff have a long and proud tradition of providing open access to information and promoting literacy, and during times of recession they are more vital than ever.

The Speak Up For Libraries rally and lobby called on MPs to take action to ensure library services are sustained and developed into the 21st century.

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